Endless paper roll type drafting board



' July 14, 1959 R. HUFF ENDLESS PAPER ROLL TYPE DRAFTING BOARD 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 22, 1957 Z [51 /f 20/6 5 fiWF/ INVENTOR ATTORNEYS.

at Ju July 14, 1959 R, HUFF 2,894,355

ENDLESS PAPER ROLL TYPE DRAFTING BOARD Filed Nov. 22, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ggml F/G. /0 LLSL/f 8076f flUFF' INVENTOR BY I I I I ATTORNEYS.

July 14, 1959 L. R. HUFF 2,894,355

' ENDLESS PAPER ROLL TYPE DRAFTING BOARD Filed Nov. 22, 1957 5 Sheets-Shet 3 ATTORNEYS y 1959 R. HUFF 2,894,355 ENDLESS PAPER ROLL TYPE DRAFTING BOARD Filed Nov. 22, 1957 5 'She$ts s t 4 24 s INVENTOB BY 1 I a ATTORNEYS ENDLESS PAPER ROLL TYPE DRAFTING BOARD This invention relates to drafting mechanism, and has as its primary object the provision of an improved support for drafting paper, whereby the draftsman may 'work on drawings at conventional desk height, seated in an ordinary chair, thus obviating the necessity of being seated on a high, and usually backless, stool, or standing during long periods.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character provided with an endless belt of drafting paper, which may be advanced as desired, or reversed, if necessary to continue certain portions of the drawing in a backward direction.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a device which may be suitably tilted to a desired angle to facilitate the draftsmans work.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character provided with means for tensioning the paper to the desired degree.

A specific object of the invention is the provision of one form of frame having an integral and movable straight edge thereacross.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of such a device which may be adjusted to a desired angle, and latched in such position.

A further specific object of one form of this invention is the provision of such a device which may be readily placed on a desk top or the like.

Still another specific object of the invention is the provision of such a device which may be built into a specially recessed desk top, to facilitate work at desk top level.

Still another specific object of the invention is the provision of such a device provided with a weight for facilitating moving of the endless belt of drafting paper.

An additional specific object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character having a work surface adapted to overlie suitable rollers carrying the endless paper belt, and provided with marginal flanges, to provide a substantially continuous smooth topped working surface up to the point of engagement with the top of an adjacent roller.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character which will facilitate the work of a draftsman, enable him to work in greater comfort, and, consequently, increase productive efficiency.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character which is sturdy and durable in construction, reliable and efiicient in operation, and relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture, assemble and utilize.

Still other objects reside in the combinations of elements, arrangements of parts, and features of construction, all as will be more fully pointed out hereinafter, and disclosed in the acompanying drawings, wherein In the drawings:

United States Patent Figure 1 is an end elevational view of one form of device embodying features of this invention, portions thereof being broken away.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the device taken substantially along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

' Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 3-3 of Fig. 1 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of Fig. 2 showing a method of 'joining the ends of the endless paper belt.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line 55 of Fig. 1 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but showing a modified method of connecting the ends of the papers.

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. l, but disc-losing a modified form of construction.

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the structure of Fig. 7, taken substantially along the line 8-8 of Fig. 7 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Fig. 9 is an end elevational view of a still further modified form of construction, certain concealed parts thereof being indicated in dotted lines.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken'substantially along the line 10-10 of Fig. 9 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Fig. 11 'is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 11- 11 of Fig. 9 as views in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line 1212 of Fig. 9 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Fig. 13 is an end elevational view of a still further modified form of construction.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary plan view of the structure of Fig. 13, taken substantially along the line 14-14 of Fig. 13 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line1515 of Fig. 14 as viewed in the direction indicated bythe arrows.

Fig. 16 shows a still further modified form of this invention adapted to be positioned on a desk or table top.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line 17-17 of Fig. 16 as viewed in 'the direction indicated by the arrows.

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line 1818 of Fig. 16 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Fig. 19 shows a still further modified form of the invention adapted to be positioned in a specially recessed desk top or the like, but otherwise similar in general construction to that of the modification of Fig. 16.

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary sectional view taken sub- .stantially along the line 202(l of Fig. 19 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Fig. 21 is an enlarged fragmentary detail sectional view, showing a constructional detail of the apparatus of Fig. 19.

Fig. 22 is a view similar to Fig. 21, but showing a slight modification in the detail thereof.

Fig. 23 is a fragmentary top plan view of a modified constructional detail, adapted for use with the structure of Figs. 16 or 19.

Fig. 24 is an elevational view taken substantially along the line 2424 of Fig. 23 as viewed in the direction in- .dicated by the arrows.

Fig. 25 is a top plan view of a still further modified form of construction, certain concealed elements being indicated dotted lines.

Fig. 26 is a sectional view taken substantially along the 'line"26"26 of Fig: as viewed in the direction in dicated by the arrows.

Fig. 27 is an enlarged fragmentary detail sectional view taken substantially along the line 1271 27 .of'fFig. 25, and,

.Fig. 28 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line 2823 of FigjZ, as viewed in the. direction indicated by the arrows, and on an enlarged scale.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of ,the drawings.

'Having reference now to the drawings in detail, and more particularly tothatspecies of the invention disclosed in Figs. 1. to 5 inclusive, there is generally indicated at 30 a base member, which may be suitably secured to 'thefioor as by means of bolts, 31 or the like, which includes upright or. standard 32, terminating in a' journal 33. The base 30 comprises one of aspaced apart pair, which are connected by means of a tie rod 34,.secured in position by means of oppositely disposed lock nuts 35. The upper portion of standard 32 terminating in the jour- ,nal 33 is enlarged as at 36, and includes an aperture through which extends a bolt 37, and a knurled adjusting :nut 38. The journals'33 accommodate the ends of an axle 39, which. is provided adjacent its, ends with, a disclike member 40, having an arcuate slot 41 therein, through which the bolt 37 extends, fora purpose to be more fully described hereinafter.

The disc carries at one portion of its peripherya boss 43, which has aninternally threaded bore 44 adapted for the reception of one end of a screw 45, upon the upper end of which is mounted a lug 46, ,havinga lateral extension'47, towhich issecured a transversely extending plate or bar 48. Between the opposite bars 48, there is positioned a drawing board 49, secured in position as by means of bolts 50. The opposite ends of each plate 48, of which there are two at opposite sides of the board 49, carry offset projections 51, provided with bores 52 forming journals for the ends of axles 53 of rollers 54 which extend transversely between the two standards 32.

A tensioning knob. 55 having an internally threaded bore, surrounds screw for a purpose to be more fully described hereinafter.

The axle 39 carries a relatively large drum 56, it being noted that each disc 40 is fixedly secured to its associated end of axle 39.

A sheet of drafting paper 57 is positioned about drum 56 and both of rollers 54, as best shown in Figure 1, and may have its ends secured together in the manner shown in Fig. 2, by tapering one end as at 58, and allowing the other end to overlap as shown at 59 to a suitable distance.

From the foregoing, the use of the device should now be readily understandable. An endless sheet of drafting paper 57 is first positioned about drum 56 and rollers 54, and sealed in any desired manner, such as that previously described. The paper may now be tensioned by rotation of hand wheel 55, which will move the drafting board 49 a sufiicient distance to tension the paper. Similarly by loosening the hand nut 38, the axle, and hence the discs 40 and their associated end plates v48 may be tilted to any desired angle within 90. Tightening of the nut 38 will obviously lock the element in the .desired position.

Fig. 6 discloses a slightly-modified form of the invention, wherein the roller or drum 56 is provided with "a recess 60, in order to accommodate one end 61 of the paper 57, in such manner that no bulge is provided at the overlap.

,Themodificationof Fig. 7 and Fig.'8 is substantially identical to that described in connection with the preceding modification, with the exception that'for thedisc 40 there is substituted a disc 65, which'is provided with 4 I two bosses 66 having threaded bores therein for the accommodation of screws 67, upon which operating wheels or knobs 68 are positioned. The opposite ends of the screws 67, instead of engaging single plates 48 at either end, engage pairs of spaced plates 69, secured to the board 49 in spaced apart relation. This permits a slightly greater facility of adjustment, in angularity of the board. The arrangement of the disc 65 and its mounting permits this mechanism to be moved throughout a 90 angle, in a manner identical to that previously disclosed. The reference characters appearing on this form represent corresponding parts identical to those of the preceding modification.

Figs. 9 to 12 inclusive, disclose. a further modified form of this inventive concept, adapted to be mounted on a desk or the like, and comprise two spaced apart end plates 70, each provided with a flange 71, adapted to be secured to a desk top or the like, as by means of bolts 72. Each of the end plates 70 is provided with slots 73a, 73b and 73c at each of three triangularly disposed points. The slots. in the opposite end plates are aligned, and provide journals for the axles 74a, 74b and 740 of rollers 75a, 75b and 750. A suitable drafting board 76 extends transversely between the two opposed plates 70, and in angularly inclined relation between the rollers -75a .and 75b. The board is adapted to be secured to the end plates, as by means'of flanges 77 and bolts 78 or the like.

An-endless sheet of paper 79 extends about the three rollers, and may be tensioned by means of oppositely disposed tensioning screws 80 provided with heads 81, which are accessible through suitable apertures 82 .in the plate 70. Each of the-screws 80 passes through a threaded boss 83, fixedly secured'to each of the side plates 70, and engages a movable block 84, provided with an aperture, through which the axle 74c of roller 750 extends. -It will be readily apparent that upon suitable adjustment of the adjusting knobs 81, the paper may be tensioned to a desired degree.

As best shown in Fig. 10, it will be noted that suitable tie rods 85 secured in position as by means of lock nuts 86, extend between the spaced end plates 70 to insure rigidity of the assembly.

The axle 74a is provided at one or both ends with a crank member 87, by means of which roller 75a may be rotated to adjust the position of the paper 79.

Figs. 13, 14 and 15 disclose a still further modified form of construction wherein end plates provided with flanges 91 are adapted to be secured as by means of bolts 92 to a table top or" similar surface. The upper surface of the plates 90 is inclined in any desired angle, and carries at its extremities journals 92 and 93, which in turn carry the axles 94 and 95 of rollers 96 and 97 respectively. An endless sheet of drafting paper 98 is adapted to surround the rollers 96 and 97, and may have its .ends secured together in any desired manner, and \be tensioned in any desired manner, as in the foregoing. Each of the plates 90 has secured thereto a channel iron in the form of an inverted. L, as indicated at 99, which extends substantially the full length of the upper edge of each plate 90. A drawing board 100.is secured, as by means of bolts or the like, 101, to the upper horizontal leg of each member 99, but spaced from the end thereof to provide a guide channel. Each edge of the drawing board has a. depending portion 101, forming a straight edge, to serve as a guide for a block 102, which is aflixed to an endless belt 103, which passes about pulleys 104 and 104, respectively, at each end of each of rollers 96 and 97, and carried by the axles 94 and 95, respectively. Extending between the opposed blocks 102 is a straight edge 105, securely fixed between the blocks 102, and so arranged as to be maintained in transverse alignment directly across the paper by meansof the guide surfaces afforded by the inner edges of the depending portions 101. V

' in operating knobs 107, and having threaded ends 108 engaging in each of blocks 102. Each shaft carries a roller 109, which rides along the top surface of angle iron member 99, adjacent the edge thereof, so that rotation of either knob 107 will occasion movement of both of the endless belts 103 simultaneously, to effect movement of the straight edge over the paper, and maintaining the constant alignment thereof.

' Still another modified form of the device is shown in Figs. 16, 17 and 18. This is a simplified form of the invention, and is particularly adapted for mounting on a'frame having a horizontal top surface.

--In this modification there is generally indicated at 115 aframe including angle iron legs 116, and a top 117, with underlying reinforcing members 118. A pair of opposed substantially rectangular end plates 119, are positioned on the top 117, and connected together as by means of tie rods 120 or the like. A journal is formed at one end of each plate 119 for the reception of an axle 121 at either end of a roller 122. An operating knob or wheel 123 is provided for rotating the roller 1122. The ends of each member 119 adjacent the roller 6 The upper flight of th'e'sheetof paper 152 passes over the table top, as best shown in Fig. 19, while the lower flight passes therebeneath. A friction roller 153 carried by a suitable bracket 154 extending from each of plates 149 bears against the roller 145 to preclude excess rotation thereof.

The end of each plate 150 is provided with a slot 155 which provides a journal for the axles 148. Tensioning means are provided, and take the form of a block 156 carried by one end of the screw threaded member 157, which is mounted in a bracket 158 having a threaded bore therethrough, the screw being provided with a head 159 for rotation thereof. Obviously, rotation of the knob 159 varies the position of the axle 148, in a manner similar to certain modifications hereinbefore described, in such manner as to adjust the tension of the paper 152.

A height adjusting means is provided by means of a screw 160, having an operating knob 161, which engages through a threaded bore in a bracket 162 secured to a side frame member of the table. The end of the screw is mounted rotatably in the lug 163, carried by the table top, so that the table top may be slightly tilted 122 are loosely mounted on pins 125, which project upwardly through the top 117 of the frame.

The other-end of each member 119 is provided with an elongated slot 126, which serves to journal the axle 127 of a roller 128. Tensioning means is provided for an endless roll of paper 129 extending about rollers 128 930 and 122, and comprises a threaded member 130, which threadedly engages in a block 131 carried by each end of theaxle 127, the threaded member being seated in a second block 132 fixedly secured to the end of one of each of side plates 119. Obviously, rotation of an operating knob 133 carried by the end of threaded member 130.will occasion movement of the blocks 131, and

corresponding movement of the roller 128 to tension the paper 129 passed thereabout.

Means are provided for varying the relative angular 119. Each of these rods passes through an aperture in a fixed lug 137 secured adjacent the table top 117, and is slidable therein, to a limited distance.

The rods 135 are adapted to be held in clamping relation by means of set screws 138. It will thus be seen that in this modification, the angular relationship of the device may be varied within a limited range, by the loosening adjustment of set screws 137, and corresponding adjustment of the rods 135. In this modification, the drawing board (not shown) is preferably carried by the transverse members 120, to underlie the top flight of the endless belt of paper.

Figures 19 to 21 inclusive disclose a still further modified form of the invention adapted to be inset within the body of a table or the like, wherein the top of the table may be utilized as a drafting board. In this modification of the invention, the table includes legs 140, and a top 141 loosely mounted thereon, as by means of loosely mounted pins 142. The table top is provided with transversely extending slots 143 and 144 adjacent opposite ends thereof, the slots having arcuate sides, for the accommodation of rollers 145 and 146 respectively. The rollers are mounted on axles 147 and 148, respectively, which are journaled in suitable depending flanges 149 and 150, respectively, extending along opposite sides of the table.

7 Adjacent each end of slot 143 is a secondary slot 151,

through which projects the upper rim of an adjusting knob or wheel 152 carried by axle 147, for rotating the roller 145, and hence adjusting the position of an endless sheet of paper 152, which surrounds rollers 145 and 146.

and comprise metal plates 164 seated in recesses 165 in table top 141, the ends of the plates being arcuately beveled as at 166, and the plates being secured in position as by means of screws 167.

The plates 164, together with plates 168 on opposite sides of each of the slots 143 and 144 provide guides whereby the paper 152 may pass smoothly about the associated roller. The plates 168 are also seated in suitable recesses 169 in the ta'ble top, and provided with arcuate extremities 170 conforming generally to the configuration and curvature of the adjacent roll, and are secured in position by means of screws 171.

Fig. 21 shows a slightly modified form of construction, wherein the paper 152 passing over table top 141 and passing into slot 144, instead of passing between metal plates, passes over a corresponding plastic inset 172, having an under surface adapted to conform to the configuration of the adjacent roller 146, and wherein the edge of the slot 144 is so formed as to receive projecting legs of the plate 172. An oppositely positioned plastic plate 173 overlies the paper on the opposite side of slot 144. These plates 172 and 173 may be molded, and fixed to the appropriate edges of the slots to which they relate in any desired conventional manner.

Figs. 23 and 24 show a tensioning mechanism, which is adapted to be employed with any of the modifications previously described, and which includes a roller having an axle 181 suitably journaled in a plate 182, and which extends beyond the plate. The axle carries a drum 183, and a rotatable hand wheel 184. The drum has an outer flange 185, and has suitably wound thereabout a cord 186, from one end of which depends a weight 187. It will be obvious that the effect of the weight on the cord 186 is sufiicient normally to hold the paper 188 suita bly tensioned.

Figs. 25, 26 and 27 disclose a still further modified form of this invention. In this form of the invention, there is provided a supporting frame, including legs 190, and transverse supporting members 191. Each side portion 191 carries a bracket 192, and each bracket is provided with a journal 193. The journals receive the ends of a shaft 194, the opposite end of which carries a rotatable bushing 195, which is secured to a bracket member 196, extending the full length of two parallel 0 board surfaces 197 and 198. The board or plate 198 carries at its opposite ends lugs 199, which are provided with journals, for the axles 200 of identical rollers 201.

The rollers 201 carry an endless sheet of drafting paper 202, which passes over the top board 197, which thus serves as a drawing board. Any suitable tensioning means for the papers, such as described in theforegoing modifications, may be employed if desired.

Oneof rollers 291 carries anadjusting .wheel 203, which extends through a suitable slot-204 in the upper surface of board 197. Thearrangement isthus such i that the entire assembly is tiltable about the1axle-194 to any desired degree, it being noted that the upper ends of the legs 19%) are beveled, as at :205, to' permit;free passage of the lower board or plate 198 therepast.

Latch means are provided for .holding the assembly comprised of boards 197 and 198 in horizontal, position, and take the form of a detent 206, carried within a metallic receptacle 207 in lower "board 198, which is engageable in a metal cup 208, inone of members1191,

a laterally extending pin. 209 being provided vfor releasing the detent 286 to permit rotation of theentire assembly about the axle 194.

It will be obvious, therefore, .thatwith thedetent'206 engaged in the metal cup 208, the top board 197, which serves as a drafting board, over whichtheroll' ofpaper 292 passes, is held in horizontal positiombut that upon release of the detent same may berotatedto any'desired angle for a particular operation, or'rotated socthat lower board 198 becomes the top or-parallel to the top of the table.

From the foregoing, it will:now beseenthat' there is herein provided an improved drafting mechanism, in'a wide variety of forms, which .provides greatfacility in expediting a drafting operation, which may be arranged in accordance with desired'conditions, and which accomplishes all of the objects of this invention, and others, including many advantages-of great practical utility and commercial importance.

As many embodiments may be made of this inventive concept, and as many modifications may be made in the embodiments hereinbefore shown and described, it is to be understood that all matter herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

{T8 What I claim is: L/An; endless :paper roll type; drafting board compris- .ing' an assembly embodying: bracket members disposed in parallel spaced relation with respect to each other, a pair of horizontally disposed rollers mounted on the'ends .of said: brackets, said rollers beingdisposed in; parallel spaced relation to each: other, drafting 'boards secured to said bracket-members, said drafting board beingsecured between said rollers, an endlessrsheet of drafting material extending. about said rollers and over said drafting board, a frame supporting saidassembly, means pivotally mounting said assembly centrally of said frame, and a latch for holding said assembly in position.

2. The subject matter asclaimed in claim 1, and one of said drafting-boards extending beyond said rollers to form a desk-type board whensaid assembly is in one position of pivotal adjustment.

3. The. subject matter as claimed'in'claim- 2, with means of-varying the tension of said drafting material.

-4. The subject matter as claimed in claim 1, andsaid frame-supporting assembly including a horizontal shaft, said assembly pivotal mounting means comprising :a

- bracket having ajournal with. an open upper side in which said. horizontal shaft of, said; frame. supporting assembly is removably mounted.

References Citedv in. the file of thispatent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

